Outboard motor column construction



Feb. 21, 1956 K. c. AGAR OUTBOARD MOTOR COLUMN CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 25, 1954 FIG.

KENNETH C. AGAR Attorney FIG. 3

Feb. 21, 1956 K. c. AGAR 2,735,396

OUTBOARD MOTOR COLUMN CONSTRUCTION Filed June 25, 1954 3 Sheets-sheaf, 2

INVENTOR. KENNETH c AGAR FIG. 7 BY Feb. 21, 1956 K. c. AGAR OUTBOARD MOTOR COLUMN CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 25, 1954 FIG.

R NA T6 y NA e E n V m m 1 .ol WA m A, .w./. N E KW.

2,735,396 oUreoARn MoToR COLUMN CONSTRUCTION Kenneth C. Agar, Ann Arbor, Mich, assignor to Clinton Machine Company, Ciinton, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application June 25, 1954, Serial No. 439,225 9 Claims. (Cl. 115-17) My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in an outboard motor column construction. In the use of outboard motors, the motor is usually fastened to the rear of the boat with which used, and a column extends downwardly into the water, this column carrying at its lower end a rotatable propeller. The column is so mounted on the boat that it may rotate on a vertical axis to effect the steering. An internal combustion engine for driving the propeller rotating mechanism is mounted on the upper end of the column and, of course, moves in unison with the column. This column is also mounted on the boat in such a manner that it may swing upwardly and downwardly at its lower end in a vertical plane.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an outboard motor column construction whereby the exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine may be led downwardly and discharged beneath the water, while at the same time the normal movement of the column is not interfered with.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a construction of this type of a column whereby the exhaust gases, while being discharged through the column beneath the water, are not permited access to the driving mechanlsm.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a construction of this type of a column having the exhaust gases discharged therethrough and so constructed and arranged that, when the column is tilted upwardly or reversed as to its normal position, the driving of water backwardly from the exhaust conduit into the engine will be prevented.

Another object of this invention is the provision in a construction of this type of a novel mechanism for mounting on a boat whereby the attachment and detachment of the outboard motor to and from the boat may be easily and quickly effected and an elficient mechanism afforded for the proper movements of the outboard motor column.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a construction whereby the exhaust gases may be utilized for siphoning water from the boat.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel mechanism for mounting a loading strap or brake so that the loading strap and the loading springs may be easily and quickly mounted in position and will be entirely enclosed.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

It is recognized that various modifications and changes may be made in the detail of structure illustrated without departing from the invention, and it is intended that the present disclosures shall be considered to be but the referred embodiments.

Forming a part of this application are drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention,

Fig. 2 is a top plan view with parts removed,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional central view of the invention taken on line 33 of Fig. 2,

nited States Patent ice Fig. 4 is a slightly enlarged sectional view taken on line 44 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal central sectional view showing a modification,

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal central sectional view of a column showing a further modification,

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal central sectional view showing a further modification,

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing a further modification,

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 10,

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing another modification,

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal central sectional view showing a further modification.

In Fig. 1 I have indicated an outboard column 17 having a flange 18 formed between its ends and provided on one side with an outlet spout 19 which, when the motor is in use, would be submerged and serve as an outlet for the exhaust gases of the engine. A drive rod 20 extends longitudinally of the column 17 and is provided with a suitable mechanism for driving the shaft 21 on which the propeller blade 22 is mounted. The particular gearing which is driven by the rod 20 to effect the rotation of the shaft 21 is not shown as this type of construction is well known and of itself forms no part of the present application.

Resting upon the peripheral flange 23 formed on the column 17 and embracing the column is a band 24 having a lug 25 projecting outwardly from one side thereof. Embracing the column 17 and positioned above the band 24 is a band embodying the sections 26 and 27 which are secured together by the bolts 28. Extending outwardly from the section 26 is an arm 29. The section 27 is provided with the outwardly bulged portion 30 which forms a housing.

Embracing the column 17 at the location of the band sections 26 and 27 is a spring loading strap 31 which is in effect a braking band. This strap 31 has the outwardly turned ends 32 and 33 which are extended parallel to each other and which are spread apart. On one face of the angularly turned portion 32 is a boss 32a, and on the corresponding face of the portion 33 is a boss 33a. Embracing the boss 32a at one end is a spring 34 which is engaged at its opposite end by a screw 35 threaded into the housing 30. A similar construction is provided on the opposite side, and a spring 36 embraces the boss 33a and engages at one end the angularly turned portion 33 while the opposite end of this spring 36 is engaged by the screw 37 which is threaded into the housing 30. By threading these screws inwardly or outwardly, the tension of the springs 34 and 36 may be adjusted so that the pressure of the loading band or brake 31 against the periphery of the column 17 is thus varied.

Pivoted by means of a pin 38 to the outer end of the arm 29 is a clamp 39 having the base 40 and provided with the clamping screw 41. The rear of the boat would be engaged between the clamping screw 41 and the base 40, and thus the structure would be mounted on the rear of the boat.

Extending outwardly from the base 40 is a plate 42 having an arcuate slot 43 formed therein in which engages a screw 44 on which is threaded a wing nut 45, this screw 44 extending outwardly from the lug 25. By loosening the wing nut 45, the column 17 may be rocked in a vertical plane so as to vary its angularity relatively to the boat. This rocking would, of course, be limited by the length of the arcuate slot 43.

Formed on the column 17 above the band sections 26 the compartment 491: is a conduit 53 which opens from the opening 51: of the plate 50; Theupper end of this conduit 53 is providedwith an angularly turned portion 54=and an upwardly. turnedportion 55 having. a flange 56 formed thereon. The flange 56 wouldtbe connected to the internal combustioniengine so. as to-communi'catewith the exhaust manifold. Consequently, the: exhaust gaseswould be discharged through theconduit. 53 into ther interior of the column 17 and outwardly through the discharge. spout 19 which in normal. operation would be below the water level.

. In rotating the column 17; this column 17 would rotale relatively to the sections 26- and 27, and the spring loading band 31 would serve to normally retain the column in the various positions into-which it may have been.

rotated.

By having the exhaust gases discharge through the column to a point below the water level, the undesirable features of having the exhaust gases discharge into the air abovethe water. are avoided;

A- handle 57 having anextension 58 pivotally mounted thereto by the pin59 issecured to the column whereby the column may be rotated. Due to the mounting and construction, thiscolumn may be rotated through 360, and thus the propeller may, if desired, be used for reversinggthedirection of travel of the boat.

In Fig. I have shown a slight modification in which the column 1-7a, which is provided with a flange 18a, is supported by the band124a corresponding to the band 24 of Fig. 1. This column 171: is providedwith the upwardly extendingtubular extension 60 through which the drive rcd ZJaprojects.

As shown in Fig. 6, the exhaust conduit 53a is brought downwardly through the swivel bracket orband comprising the sections 26:: and 27a.

In Fig; 7 I have shown a formation similar to that shown in Fig. 5 and Fig.6 excepting that the portion 69a, correspondingto the part 60 of Fig. 5, is formed integral. with the column 17b, and the exhaust conduit 53:) is-pressed. into the compartment 61. The band 24b embracing the column. 17b corresponds to the band 24, and the bracket sections 26b and 27b correspond to the parts 26" and 27 of Fig. l. The drive rod b extends inwardly of the column 17b.

As clearly shown in Fig. 8, a recess or groove 62 is formed on one side of the column 17b to accommodate the-conduit 53b, and in Fig. 6' a recess 62:: is formed to accommodatethe conduit 53a.

In Fig. 9-1 have shown a gas conducting tube 530 formed integral with the column 170 but non-communicating' with the interior thereof.

in Fig. 10 I have indicated a column 17d provided with av partition 63 formed integral therewith and formed integral with a gas conducting tube. 64.

in Fig. 121 have indicated a column 17 provided with a gas conducting tube 67 formed integral therewith and having a restriction 68 formed adjacent its open end to provide a Venturi to effect siphonage through the pipe 69 so that water may be pumped or siphoned from the pipe".

In Fig. 13 I have indicated a column 17e provided with a cup 65 into which projects the open end of a gas conducting tube 66-so that, upon inverting the position of the column; water can not flow through the exhaust into the engine.

What I claim is:

1. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a tubular column for supporting said propeller; a drive shaft extending through said column for driving said propeller through a driving mechanism; a conduit for conducting exhaust gases from. said motor extending into said column; means for retaining said conduit in fixed relation to saidcolumn; an outlet discharge spout on said column for discharging exhaust gases adjacent to said propeller; anda cup-shapedrnember on said column, the open end of said conduit extending into said cup-shaped member to provide a battle for preventing the passage of water into. said conduitwhen the column is turned upside down.

2. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a column construction comprising a tubular body extendable .when in use. below the water level';-means for mounting-said columntona boat: for: rotationthrough 360 on a, verticalaxis including. apain of longitudinally spaced circumferential .flanges on. said: column. and an encircling band on saidtcolumnbetweeni said flanges; a lug on said bandi projecting. forwardly; therefrom; means pivotally carriedon; said lug. for rockably: mounting the column on: a. boat; a: housing. on: said. encircling. band projecting rearwardlyw therefrom; a braking band disposed between saidencircling band and said column and embracing the latterzfon resistingthe'rotation thereof. relative to said encircling band; said braking; band having a pair of outwardly turned; ends which are extended parallel to each otherintosaid housingiand. which are spread apart; a springrdisposed'betweemeach of said braking band ends and said housing. and. being adapted to urge the braking band. againstxthecolumn;ascrew means for adjusting the tensiomof. said: springs. sothatthe pressure of the braking band against the column may be varied; a conduit in said columntfor conducting the. exhaust gasesfrom the engine through saidcolumn; andxa. discharge opening in said column below. the normalwater level when said column is.in.use.

3. In an outboard motor of the class described having ax propeller drivenby aninternal. combustion engine; a colummconstruction. comprising: a tubular body extendable when .in usebelow the water level; means for mountingsaid column one: boat for rotation through360 on a vertical axis including. a.pair1 of longitudinally spaced circumferential flanges on said. column. and an encircling band on said column between said flanges; a lug on said band projecting: forwardly therefrom; means pivotally carriedionsaidlug for rockablymounting the column on a-boat;.a.housingonsaidencircling band projecting rearwardly therefrom; a braking band disposed between said encircling'band and said column-and, embracing the latter for resisting therotation thereof relative to said encircling band, said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread apart; a spring disposed between each of said braking band endsand said housing and being adapted to urge the braking hand against the column; a screw means for adjusting the tension of said springs sothat: the pressure of the braking band against thecolumn may be varied; a conduit in. said column. for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine through said column, said conduit extending downwardly through said column for substantially half the length thereof; and a discharge openingin saidcolumn below the normal water level when-said column is in use.

4. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a column construction comprising-a tubular body extendable when in use below the water level; means for mounting said column on a boat for rotation through 360 on a vertical axis includinga pair of longitudinally spaced circumferenti'al flanges on said column and an encircling hand on said column between said flanges; a lugon said band projecting forwardly therefrom; means pivotally carried on said lug for rockably mounting the column on a boat; a housing on said encircling band projecting rearwardly therefrom; a braking band disposed between said encircling band and said column and embracing the latter for resisting rotation thereof relative to said encircling band, said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread apart; a spring disposed between each of said braking band ends and said housing and being adapted to urge the braking band against the column; a screw means for adjusting the tension of said springs so that the pressure of the braking band against the column may be varied; a conduit in said column for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine through said column, said conduit being separate from said column and disposed outwardly of said column along the upper end thereof, the lower end of said conduit extending into the column and being fixedly secured thereto; and a discharge opening in said column below the normal water level when said column is in use.

5. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a column construction comprising a tubular body extendable when in use below the water level; means for mounting said column on a boat for rotation through 360 on a vertical axis including a pair of longitudinally spaced circumferential flanges on said column and an encircling band on said column between said flanges; a lug on said band projecting forwardly therefrom; means pivotally carried on said lug for rockably mounting the column on a boat; a housing on said encircling band projecting rearwardly therefrom; a braking band disposed between said encircling band and said column and embracing the latter for resisting rotation thereof relative to said encircling band, said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread apart; a spring disposed between each of said braking band ends and said housing and being adapted to urge the braking band against the column; a screw means for adjusting the tension of said springs so that the pressure of the braking band against the column may be varied; a conduit in said column for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine through said column, said conduit being no -communicating with the interior of said column; and an outlet discharge spout on the lower end of said conduit below the normal water level when said column is in use.

6. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a column construction comprising a tubular body extendable when in use below the water level; means for mounting said column on a boat for rotation through 360 on a vertical axis including a pair of longitudinally spaced circumferential flanges on said column and an encircling band on said column between said flanges; a lug on said band projecting forwardly therefrom; means pivotally carried on said lug for rockably mounting the column on a boat; a housing on said encircling band projecting rearwardly therefrom; a braking band disposed between said encircling band and said column and embracing the latter for resisting rotation thereof relative to said encircling band, said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread apart; a spring disposed between each of said braking band ends and said housing and being adapted to urge the braking band against the column; a screw means for adjusting the tension of said springs so that the pressure of the braking band against the column may be varied; a conduit in said column for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine through said column, said conduit extending into said column from the upper end thereof and for a substantial distance there through; a cup-shaped member on said column, the lower upside down; and a discharge open end of said conduit extending into said cup-shaped member to provide a baifle for preventing the discharge of water into said conduit when the column is turned opening in said column below the normal water level when said column is in use.

7. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a column construction comprising a tubular body extendable when in use below the water level; means for mounting said column on a boat for rotation through 360 on a vertical .axis including a pair of longitudinally spaced circumferential flanges on said column and an encircling band on said column between said flanges; a lug on said band projecting forwardly therefrom; means pivotally carried on said lug for rockably mounting the column on a boat; a housing on said encircling band projecting rearwardly therefrom; a braking band disposed between said encircling band and said column and embracing the latter for resisting rotation thereof relative to said encircling band; said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread apart; a spring disposed between each of said braking band ends and said housing and being adapted to urge the braking band against the column; a screw means for adjusting the tension of said springs so that the pressure of the braking band against the column may be varied; a conduit in said column for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine through said column, said conduit extending into said column from the upper end thereof and for a substantial distance therethrough, the lower end of the conduit being narrowed to form a restriction adjacent its open end to provide a venturi; an inlet pipe in said conduit adjacent said venturi, said venturi being effective to syphon water through said pipe; and a discharge opening in said column below the normal water level when said column is in use.

-8. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a column construction comprising a tubular body extendable when in use below the water level; means for mounting said column on a boat for rotation through 360 on a vertical axis including a pair of longitudinally spaced circumferential flanges on said column and an encircling band on said column between said flanges; a lug on said band projecting forwardly therefrom; means pivotally carried on said lug for rockably mounting the column on a boat; a housing on said encircling band projecting rearwardly therefrom; a braking band disposed between said encircling band and said column and embracing the latter for resisting rotation thereof relative to said encircling band, said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread apart; a spring disposed between each of said braking band ends and said housing and being adapted to urge the braking band against the column; a screw means for adjusting the tension of said springs so that the pressure of the braking band against the column may be varied; a conduit in said column for conducting the exhaust gases from the engine through said column; a discharge opening in said column below the normal water level when said column is in use; and means for limiting the rocking of said column in a vertical plane and securing the same in various positions of rocking.

9. In an outboard motor of the class described having a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine; a tubular column for supporting said propeller which is extendable when in use below the water level; means for mounting said column on a boat for rotation through 360 on a vertical axis and including a pair of longitudinally spaced circumferential flanges on said column; an encircling band on said column between said flanges; means 01! Said encircling band for rockably mounting the column on said body; a housing on said encircling band;

a braking band disposed between said encircling band and saidcolumn and embracing the latter for resisting rotation thereof relative to said encirclingband'; said braking band having a pair of outwardly turned ends which are extended parallel to each other into said housing and which are spread'apart; a resilient-biasingmeans in said housing adapted to engage said ends to urge the braking hand against the colummmeans for adjusting the said column; and a discharge opening in said References Cited inthe file of this patent UNIT-ED- STATES; PATENTS Moore Jan. 1, Irgens Mar. 6, Johnson Sept. 22, Coriover Dec. 17, Krueger Mar. 21,

FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain: Aug. 30,. 

